Thomas M. Laframboise

Thomas Michael LaFramboise

May 3, 1943 – January 25, 2023

Thomas M. LaFramboise was born May 3, 1943, to parents Harvey and Mildred LaFramboise of Lincoln Park. He grew up in a full house with eight siblings Harvey, Eugene, Ted, Patricia, Beverly, Timothy, Michael and Judy. He loved all sports and after a stellar high school career, graduating from Lincoln Park High School in 1961, he attended the University of Louisville as a scholar athlete where he excelled at both football and baseball. While playing football at Louisville for the years 1962-1964 he had 239 completed passes, 2755 yards and a QB rating of 96.6. He was drafted in the NFL as a Quarterback for the Chicago Bears in 1964. He was also being recruited by the Dallas Cowboys and received a letter of intent. After a short NFL career, he decided his best path was to be an educator. He was a teacher and a football coach at Ypsilanti Lincoln Consolidated and Grosse Ile High School. He coached football for over 34 years, had 1 Conference Championship, was named Regional Coach of the Year by the Ypsilanti Press, News Herald Coach of the year 1991, MHSFBCA Hall of Fame in 1994, two sport inductee to the University of Louisville Hall of Fame 2000, and Lincoln Park Sports Hall of Fame 2002. Tom loved and excelled at golf. He had two hole in ones, won the Club Championship at West Shore Golf and Country Club in 1993 and the Senior Club Championship in 1994. The University of Louisville also honored him by having him throw the opening pitch at the first game of their new baseball stadium.

At the end of college, he went on to marry Janet Carol Gross in November of 1964 and they had three beautiful daughters Lisa, Heide, and Tricia. Their family lost Janet in 1977 after her battle with cancer. She continued looking over him for the rest of his life. Tom married Edda Ciccantelli in May of 1982 and they happily lived in Michigan, until his passing.

Tom loved nothing more than to share a glass of Cabernet with friends and family. He was a fantastic dancer and enjoyed every opportunity to celebrate with loved ones. He could be seen sporting a Louisville cardinal any day of the week and was always available to lend a word of advice or comfort to anyone in need. He followed closely all the lives of his many nieces and nephews. His favorite day of the year was Christmas Eve, a holiday he always spent with Edda, his daughters, their spouses, and his grandchildren. He is survived by daughters Lisa Engler (Dan), Heide Darnell (Scott), and Tricia Roy (Matt); as well as his grandchildren Janet Engler, Justine Darnell, Trevor Darnell, Rebekah Coyne, Thomas Roberts (TJ), Nathan Engler, and Madeline Roberts; and most recently by the newest in-law Brendan Coyne and soon to be Jacob Berns. He enjoyed watching his family grow and never lost his love for Louisville football. He will be well remembered by anyone he ever coached or mentored. He passed away peacefully on January 25, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was welcomed into heaven by his late wife Janet.

The family will host a celebration of life service on April 17, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Trenton, Michigan, with visitation at 9:30 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to two causes close to Tom’s heart: the Michigan Public School Employees Pension Fund and the Louisville Alumni Fund.